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Honoring fallen firefighters

Staff Report

Darlene Ponczek of Prescott Valley, Ariz., a former Glenwood Springs resident for nearly 30 years, sent these photos from the informal memorial that sprung up to honor the 19 fallen firefighters there. She writes:

“Prescott is a small town, much like Glenwood where everyone knows each other. Like Glenwood 19 years ago, we lost Hotshot firefighters. The only difference is that most of them were born and raised here and are well known throughout the community.

“I have taken part in the services, the procession of the 19 hearses, each with the fallen Hotshot’s name on the side. It is a very emotional time for our small town.



“Today I had the opportunity to pay a visit to the fire station and view the memorials left by those from the families and from across the world. A much smaller version than the 9/11 wall but huge just the same. My heart was overflowing with emotion and being from Glenwood, I saw the Glenwood Springs Fire Department T-shirt. I just about fell apart.

“I also overheard others talking about the fire in Glenwood and how much they love Glenwood. It sparked many discussions about Colorado, firefighting and the human spirit.”


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